Organ matters - Organs matter!

Not quite the forum for it, I know, but perhaps this might be of interest to someone here: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Digital-Organ-with-full-32-note-pedalboard-/252027814877?

Hi all,

I'm on the hunt for a Hill, Norman & Beard 'Chester' organ (or similar) for a friend's home. If anyone is aware of such an instrument looking for a home, please let me know. Unfortunately we missed out (by a week) on securing an example in pristine condition.

Thanks.

Really delightful (and slightly unusual)-looking Willis as eBay item  no. 151349145513. This must be worth rescuing?!

Sad to see the mindset of this seller:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Methodist-Pipe-Organ-Scrap-Value-Is-Worth-Over-2000-00-/200987919734?pt=UK_MusicalInstr_Keyboard_RL&hash=item2ecbd04576

Hello,

I wonder what your thoughts are on Walker 'Positif' extension organs. Are they generally reliable and well-made, or are they to be avoided?! Do they have any common faults which are checking before buying?

Many thanks.

Hi all,

I am just wondering if any of you have a spare soundboard which would hold 8' flute pipes (suitable for a chamber organ). If so, I would be really grateful to know. I am considering thinking about building a continuo organ of some kind again, but the soundboard design is far too difficult for me.

Many thanks,
wjoefox.

Hello all,

I'm having a house organ moved into my home by an organ builder in the next few weeks.  :) The tracker action of the instrument is very firm, and is not suitable for Widor's Vth for example, or other fast passages.
What are your opinions on having the action lightened when the organ is moved? Is this possible? Would it be beneficial?

Many thanks,
wjoefox.

I realise how often many members of this forum check the IBO redundant organs list, however this organ is now a more urgent case, and is surely something a cut above some of the other instruments which are redundant - it was only built in the 1970s, and so is still in very good condition! I was looking at the organ as a complete solution for home practice, but my circumstances are not going to allow such an investment for a while yet. Hopefully someone will act to save it, before it becomes an SOS...

Redundant Organ in the former premises of Newham Academy of Music, Wakefield Street, East Ham, London E6 1NG
This two-manual (4½ octaves) and pedal (2½ octaves) light tracker instrument was made by Thomas Mander from two dismantled organs. The date of the new build is probably 1972, but the date of the older instruments is not known.

SPECIFICATION
Pedal El
16' Bourdon

Great: Tr
8' Open Diapason
8' Gedact
8' Flute
4' Principal
4' Stopped flute
4' Flute
2' Fifteenth
1 1/3' Larigot

Swell: Tr
8' Gedact
8' Salicional
8' Trompette
4' Gemshorn
Tremulant

Couplers: Tr
Swell to Great
Swell to Pedal
Great to Pedal
(Balanced swell pedal, radiating, concave pedalboard)

Approximate dimensions:
Width 2.8 metres; Depth 3 metres; Height 3.4 metres (the organ stands in a small hall currently)

Observations
The action is light, and so would be suited to practice, and there is a wide range of tonal colours provided in the full complement of stops. There is no formal casework, much of the instrument is uncased. The console looks to be very comfortable, and well laid out with drawstops. The tone is rounded and the response is consistent. Currently situated in a well regulated small hall.

Contact details:
As far as I know, the first point of contact is Sylvia Sayer of the Newham Academy of Music: sylvia.sayer@newham-music.org.uk; I have also communicated with their Chief Exec, who has been very helpful. Sylvia will be able to provide photos and more details (though if you would rather contact me just for some photos, please do PM). The Academy have moved out of the building, and it now belongs to the council, who clearly, wish to remove the organ as soon as possible, I understand - though I can't take responsibility for any information shared here.

Hi all,

I've been thinking about a church near me with small financial resources. The organ is in need of a totally new action only - the rest of the organ (pipework etc.) is in excellent condition.
Before I encourage them to approach an organ builder for a formal quotation, I wonder if any of you could advise me on what you would consider a sensible price for a new tracker action, with totally new materials. The organ is 2 manuals and pedal; and has 8 speaking stops, 3 couplers. I know of too many churches who have not had the best value from organ builders in restoration work, so I want to see what you all think!

Thanks,
wjoefox

Hi,

I've been thinking about a house pipe organ for practice for some time now, and it seems that the best thing for me to do is to construct one with the help of my local organ builder, avoiding excessive costs by doing some of the work myself. Sadly, the weight of many complete redundant instruments (and the height), make saving a complete instrument difficult. I've found some good quality Conacher pipe work to make something similar to the JW Walker Practice Organ (an example is on their website), with two manuals, pedals, and a simple 8' 4' 2' arrangement.
So, I'm trying to source parts from redundant organs, and just work with the organ builder on the actual construction of it. I'm trying to find a pair of redundant organ manuals, a pedalboard, and a blower. This is difficult, though! Does anyone here have any of these parts, or know of anyone who does? I'm loathed to buy new!

Thanks,
wjoefox

Hi all,

Something has just come on my mind: is it possible to put an attachment on to an organ manual that will automatically depress the keys to a particular sequence (i.e. hammers will press on the key), thus creating a way of a piece being played? How would such a machine have an input, if one exists?
Perhaps it could be similar to a pianola, but adapted to just a normal 1 manual pipe organ.

WF

Does any one have some suggestions for a fun (simple, but effective) piece for chamber organ?
Thanks!

Hi all,

I posted something about the Hawsker Organ Project a while back, but now I am wondering if anyone would like to sponsor a pipe for the organ that has been Bairstow's, Best's, and Smart's practice organ. If you would like to learn more, the link is here: http://hawsker-church.co.nr/ .
This instrument has formed the Hawsker Organ Project, which is an initiative which aims to bring a pipe organ to a village which has never seen one. We aim to have community events, and educational sessions with the Church school.
Please help!

Many thanks,
WF

I have decided to put my organ on ebay. This is just so that it gets a little more attention, and it is certainly not the case that if it does not sell now, it will be broken up!
This is the link:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/RF-Stevens-Student-Reed-Organ-great-home-practice-/110599877273?pt=UK_MusicalInstr_Keyboard_RL&hash=item19c0443299

I am leading an organ project for my parish church. Please have a look at the link below, and if you have any questions, please contact me. Please consider giving. Donations by cheque, payable to 'Hawsker PCC (Organ Project)'
Thank you for your help.
http://www.achurchnearyou.com/documents/2010-10-05_8194_1286306331.pdf

Hi all,

I am considering taking a pipe organ from my village into my home. However, I cannot afford an organ builder to do this for me!
So, I wondered if any of you could give me some tips on how to take the instrument apart. It's a 2 manual, 11 stop, Nelson of Durham.

Thanks.

Redundant Pipe Organ                                                       M0176

Conacher c.1870?

Castleton Methodist Church
High St Whitby North Yorks YO21 2DB

NPOR G00995

One manual with pedals
6 speaking stops
Pneumatic key action
Mechanical stop action
Compass 30/54

The church has closed and the organ is immediately available.

The organ is free-standing and measures 5' 00" deep, 7' 6" wide and 14' 4" high.
The keyboard extends 12" from the organ frame and the pedal board a further 18".

Pedal
Bourdon      16

Great
Open Diapason   8
Gedact         8
Dulciana      8
Principal      4
Flute         4

Great to Pedal

The organ was first rebuilt by Laycock when the swell box was removed and the pedal stop and coupler were added.

The six stops give an excellent account of themselves and the 8' and 4' chorus can maintain 100 congregation with ease.

The organ needs only clean and overhaul.

- Notes by John Hart

Enquiries to the Church Contact, below, please.

Buyer makes all arrangements for dismantling, packing and transport.

Care is taken to see that information is accurate but the Methodist Church Organ Advisory Service is not responsible for errors.

Church Contact:
Rev. Alan Coates,
The Manse,
1 Bridge Green,
Danby. North Yorkshire YO21 2JQ
Email: alan.coates@hotmail.com   
Tel. 01287 660252

Organ Contact:
John Hart
26 Defoe Crescent,
Newton Aycliffe.
Co. Durham DL5 4JP
Email: johnhart1@btinternet.com 
Tel. 01325 312960

Graham Jones
32 Harington Road
FORMBY
L37 1NU
Tel. 01704 876 134
BB Talk. 01704 826 475
Email: g.mjones@btinternet.com
:'(

Hello!

I rescued a reed organ from ebay in early 2008, and would now like to rehome it. It would be an ideal practice instrument. It was built by R F Stevens in 1903. Please let me know if you are interested.
This is the specification:
Great
Bourdon 16'
Cremona 16'
Diapason 8'
Dolce 8'
Principal 4'

Swell
Melodia 8'
Dolce 8'
Flute 4'
Viola 4'

Pedal
Double Diapason 16'
Bourdon 16'

Accessories
Swell to Great
Great to Pedal
Swell to Pedal

Balanced Swell Pedal
Full Organ Pedal


The Gt. Principal 4's stop rod has snapped, so that needs replacing, but other than that, the organ is well, with only the odd cipher. It could do with a little work to bring it to its best.

Please let me know if you are interested. Free to a good home!

Hello!
My church on Yorksire, are looking for a pipe organ to replace a harmonium.
Does anyone know of a redundant organ to fit this space: height: 20', depth: 6', length: 8'?
At the moment, we don't mind about its specification.

Thank you.